Funny Picture :D

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It's A Girl! (which we already knew)

I'm pleased to announce--not as pleased as C, I'm sure :)--that Joy Carolyn was born at 7:28 this morning. She was 7 lb. and 18 1/2 in long. Mother and baby are doing fine. Hopefully, I won't have to have a baby watch again for a long, long time--unless it happens to A, of course. :D

First Thoughts

C saw her doctor yesterday and she is 'closed up tight.' :) The only way that baby is going to be born is for them to go in and get her on Thursday, so... Poor girl. But, the end of the road is in sight now, so she should be feeling better. (This info is from my youngest--haven't talked to C for a couple of days.)

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I get to go for my annual poke and prod with my GYN tomorrow. I am so excited I could just spit. (HEAVY sarcasm there.) I REALLY love having to pay someone to feel me up. (MORE sarcasm.) If I didn't love the doctor as much as I do, this would be absolute torture. Oh, well, I know I will have a good geeky conversation at least once a year when I see him.

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I'm getting so many weather alerts that it is hard to do anything on this damn machine. We are under a heavy lake effect snow and blowing snow advisory. That's fine, except it isn't supposed to be affecting us here next to the lake. About 5 miles up the road from us, 6-9 inches are supposed to fall. That's okay, as long as we are fine here!

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The Pittsburgh Penguins and the Buffalo Sabres are playing today. Now that isn't too big of a deal except for the fact they are playing outside, on an outdoor rink, in the middle of a football field. Kind of crazy, especially considering the weather. So far today they have had rain/sleet and it now is snowing so hard that it looks like a late-season football game!

I keep trying to watch the game, but every time I put it on the announcers say "Sidney Crosby," so I have to go to another channel. I am SO DAMN SICK of hearing his name. It is as if he is the second coming of Christ. Actually, I am waiting for them to say he can walk on water--after all, he can do everything else! Don't you know, he can help the Penguins score goals even when he ISN'T on the ice! (I've actually heard an announcer say that.) Now, I don't mind the kid--and I guess he has talent, even though he doesn't impress me. I just really hate having him shoved in my face ALL. OF. THE. TIME. I would feel badly for him (he is only 20, after all) with all of the pressure that is on him (he IS being called the 'new face of the NHL'), except for the fact that he is making more money than God and wouldn't have to worry about working a day in his life if his career ended today. So, it works both ways: the NHL is exploiting him and he is laughing all the way to the bank.

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The Wings had their road trip hangover and lost 2-0 to St. Louis last night. (That first game at home after a road trip is really hard on the players.) The score doesn't REALLY explain the game, though. The first goal didn't come until the third period and the second was an empty-netter a couple of minutes before the end, so... Oh, well, they can redeem themselves on Wednesday when Dallas comes to town.

All three injured players skated yesterday, so it's looking good. Maltby won't be in the lineup for a while--he has to get back into shape cause he's been out so long. Homer still won't be back for a couple of weeks--considering this is the second injury to his knee this year, it is for the best. Z MIGHT be back on Wednesday already. An MRI of his back didn't show the same problem he had with the disc last year--THANK GOODNESS--so he doesn't need as much time off. It'll be VERY good to see him back on the ice. The only problem is, Baby Boy will probably lose some ice time and probably won't be playing with Datsyuk for a while. Damn.

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An Announcement: I have NOT taken my Christmas decorations down.

I think I waited long enough for those who know me to pick themselves up off of the floor after reading that. :) I really have no idea WHY I haven't gotten the house back in order--I'm still trying to figure it out. I should start on things today, but if it doesn't get done for a few more days, oh well. (My goodness, am I ACTUALLY starting to MELLOW?!?!?!?!?!)

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I am really loving having the TV in the computer room. And it ISN'T because there is so much for me to watch! Somehow or another, I am getting a bunch of digital channels on this set--most of them are the digital music channels from our cable company. I find myself LISTENING to the TV much more than WATCHING it. EVERY genre is represented on these channels. I like the solid gold oldies--very easy to sing along to, even though a lot of the songs were before my time. (I DO hate the fact that so much of what I listened to growing up is considered 'solid gold oldies.' :)) Right now I'm enjoying the blues channel--nice and mellow. I just may expand my musical taste--who knows.

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Again with the Winter Classic hockey game. The Wings' coach was asked his opinion about the game and said he would LOVE to have the Wings' participate in a similar game. Today's game is only the second outdoor game in NHL history--the first was in 2003 in Edmonton. 73,000 fans were expected at the game today (just a couple of thousand less than the 74,544 best-attended hockey game ever at Spartan Stadium, here in Michigan)--it is being called more of an 'event' than a game. It might happen here in Michigan--after all, if you want to play in crappy weather, you can't find a better place! :)

Happy New Year

To all of my readers, my friends, I want to wish you a happy and blessed new year! Come back often and, hopefully, we will have more fun in the coming year than we did in the one we are saying good-bye to! (Remember, be safe if you are going to be celebrating tonight.)

Wings 4, Coyotes 2

Again, the game was closer than the score shows--at one point the Wings were down by a goal and they didn't tie it until late in the second. The go-ahead goal came late in the third and the fourth goal was an empty-netter. So, kind of close all night. The reffing sucked big time, but that is the way things play out sometimes. My Baby Boy didn't get a goal tonight, but he DID get a point, so his streak continues! Yippee! Next game, at home on New Year's Eve against St. Louis--should be good.



--Phoenix Coyotes goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, left, of Russia, cannot make the save on a shot by Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk, right, of Russia, as Coyotes defenseman Keith Ballard, center, looks on in the third period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Dec. 29, 2007, in Glendale, Ariz. Datsyuk's goal proved to be the game-winner as the Red Wings won 4-2. (AP Photo/Paul Connors)--

False Alarm

I just got off of the phone with C and she was sent home from the hospital. (She FINALLY went to be checked about an hour ago.) No sign of amniotic fluid, so it looks as if she was having a badder control problem, not getting ready to have the baby. I guess this kid is going to stay nice and warm where she is until the doctor pulls her kicking and screaming from her mother on the 3rd! :)

Baby Watch--UPDATE

So there really isn't a big update, but here goes. I talked to C just a short while ago and she MAY be ready to have the baby. She isn't 100% sure, but her water might have broken--or, at the very least, she leaked somewhat. (A bit disgusting, but...) Anyway, she will probably be going to the hospital to be checked. If it is determined that her water broke, she probably will stay in the hospital and have the baby tonight. Check back for updates--I've got my fingers crossed!

Now For An Announcement...

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Sorry, but there really is no announcement--just wanted to post the pic. C STILL hasn't had the baby--looks like she will be going until the third after all. While her contractions continue, they are of the 'stop-and-go' variety. She is very frustrated--and I don't blame her. :)

The Game

Baby Boy was named the first star of Thursday's game--the second night/game in a row for him. The reason? Filppula got two goals, again--one of which was a short-handed goal--totaling four goals in the last two games/nights. He is on fire! He now has 13 goals on the season, ten in eight games. Yeah, he is showing his skills in all aspects of the game--and he is beautiful to watch.

Colorado actually played a bit better than Detroit tonight, but the score ended up as Detroit 4, Colorado 2. The last goal for the Wings was an empty net one, so the score was closer than it looked. I'm amazed at how well they are playing without several 'stars'--Z and Homer still aren't back. Now it's on to Phoenix for the game on Saturday and then the New Year's Eve game at home before they get a bit of a rest. Hope they can stay on their roll.

Babcock will be the coach of the Western Conference team for next month's All-Star game. Three of the top four vote-getters for the west are Wings: Lidstrom, Zetterberg, and Datsyuk. While I want to see them play the game, I worry about injuries. What a waste to get injured during an exhibition game. Last year Z was voted in but didn't play--he needed the rest. I know Lidstrom will play, as he did last year, but Z might bow out again. Datsyuk will probably play, I would think. Pretty cool, though, that three Wings AND the coach are all part of the All-Star team.



--Detroit Red Wings center Pavel Datsyuk, left, of Russia, congratulates goalie Dominik Hasek, of the Czech Republic, after the Red Wings' 4-2 victory over the Colorado Avalanche in an NHL hockey game in Denver on Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)--

Red Wing News

It was announced that Lidstrom signed a two-year extension on his contract, to the tune of $15 million. And he is worth every penny. It is hard to think of him retiring, but he probably will after his contract runs out--he will be almost 40 then. It's just nice that he accepted the salary he did--he could probably go anywhere else in the league and get much more money. (I sure would like to have the problem of ONLY getting $7+ million a year!)

Detroit shut-out the Blues 5-0 on Wednesday! Lidstrom started out the scoring in the first period--a nice way to earn his salary. My Baby Boy got TWO goals--and they were only 126 seconds apart. (He was named first star of the game.) He is on a nice roll--hope it continues for him. Looks like he is on track for a 20-goal season--good stuff. Ozzie got his 45th career shut-out--he is having an amazing year.

It is good to see that the Wings have been able to continue playing the way they have--after all, they have some big injuries going on. Z is out until after the first of the year with back spasms--the same thing that kept him out for 19 or so games last year. I hate that he isn't playing--not so much that the team can't go on, but because his standings are going to slip. Holmstrom is out for about three weeks or so--his knee is deeply bruised. At least he won't need surgery--thank goodness. There still isn't any word as to what exactly is wrong with Maltby's back, but he isn't coming back any time soon.

Detroit will be playing Thursday, Saturday, Monday, and Wednesday--I sure hope they will be able to keep on winning. Trouble is, with them on the road through Saturday, they just might go into a slump. Hope not, but it wouldn't be too surprising.



--Detroit Red Wings' Valtteri Filppula, right, of Finland, celebrates with teammate Jiri Hudler, of the Czech Republic, after scoring against the St. Louis Blues' in the second period of an NHL hockey game Wednesday, Dec. 26, 2007, in St. Louis. Filppula scored twice as the Red Wings shut out the Blues 5-0. (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)--

After Christmas

As you can tell, I DIDN'T write any posts for the last few days, so that means only one thing: C DID NOT have the baby yet. First, they do all they can--including daily injections of a blood-thinner and weekly injections of progesterone--to keep her from going into premature labor, then she can't go into labor even though she TRIES! She is so sure she will be in the hospital on New Year's Eve--just in time to disrupt their party. (She puts on a big celebration for her, her husband and the kids--complete with noisemakers and party hats. They also do it to celebrate their anniversary--they got married on New Year's Eve.) One way or another, she will have the baby in a week.

This was one of the best Christmas's I have had in quite a while. I didn't let myself get too run down and my youngest was home for a few days. I didn't have any meltdowns and I kept depression at bay--actually, I didn't have any depressing thoughts at all. I MUST be getting better! :) The only thing that would have been better is if K wouldn't have had to work. Can't have everything, I guess.

I got some nice gifts--as I usually do. A and her husband got me some of Grisham's early novels in hardcover. I want to have all of his books in hardcover, as I collect him. She is lucky because of living in the city--she has access to used bookstores and they have a great one near them. My very good friend gave me a glass bowl that was made in Finland, designed by a Finnish artist in the 60s. Cool stuff. It looks just like this (the large one):




K managed to surprise me again this year. He only got me one thing from my list: a game for my Nintendo DS Lite. My BIG gift from him was a flat-paneled TV for the computer room. I love the fact that I can now watch the Wings AND do what I have to do on the computer at the same time. (Not to disparage the gift at all, but I think he got it for himself as much as for me. :)) I'm a happy camper.

I'm not sure when I will start taking down the Christmas decorations, but I don't feel a great need to do it right away. I should go out and look for a Christmas tree bag and once I find one, I'm sure I will be getting the house back to normal. But, right now, I'm not in any hurry. All in all, an absolutely amazing year for me!

I hope you all had a great time, also.

Wishing You A Merry Christmas

Other than the birth of the baby or other earth-shattering news, I may not be here for a few days. (My baby is coming home!) At this time, I want to wish all of my readers a fantastic Christmas. My hope for each of you: May your Christmas be filled with laughter and joy, friends and family. Take a moment and remember the reason for the season. Merry Christmas to all.

No Baby News

C is not in the hospital--as far as I know, anyway. So, I will leave you with this to ponder:

THREE WISE WOMEN
would have:
asked for directions,
arrived on time,
helped deliver the Baby,
cleaned the stable,
made a casserole,
brought practical gifts,
and then there would be Peace on Earth!

:D

Merry Christmas--Enjoy!

Just Another Day

I had to go and do some grocery shopping tonight--after all, my baby girl is supposed to be here on Sunday! I just can't wait! (Can you feel me smiling?) Anyway, I had to run into Shopko first and I discovered a very disturbing thing: They had a display of VALENTINE'S DAY socks in the women's sock aisle! Um, we aren't even done with Christmas yet, much less into the new year. I just don't understand this shit!

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C continues with the contractions--they just haven't been strong enough, regular enough, or bothersome enough for her to go to the hospital. She figures she will give birth within the week, as her last progesterone shot wore off today--that means any time now. Knowing her, she will be in the hospital on Christmas Eve and give birth sometime during the early morning hours of Christmas. How fun.

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Detroit lost to St. Louis tonight, 3-2. I don't understand HOW they have such a hard time against the Central teams. (Um, Chicago, anyone?) Detroit was 19 points ahead of the next team in the Central before their loss tonight--I just don't get it.

Sadly, Holmstrom re-hurt his right knee in the first period. He never returned to the game. Losing him is a great, big 'uh-oh' for the Wings--the great un-sung hero. And after he just came back from being out for two games with an injury to the same knee. Yikes.

The bright spot of the game for me: Baby Boy scored the first goal for Detroit! This is his fourth goal in the last five games. He is on a roll. Amazingly, he was quoted earlier today--while talking about the past few games--as saying, "I don't think I played that well. I think there's a lot to improve. I've been playing good but I think I can be better." Don't be too hard on yourself, Baby Boy--you are doing fine--and will continue to improve. (I can't imagine the kind of pressure he--as well as so many other players--have to endure. He is only 23 years old!)

You Paid WHAT???

I believe most of us realize that buying any of the 'big' birds, such as parrots, is expensive. For example, a Hyacinth Macaw will run you $6,500-10,000. A little bit out of the range of most people. They ARE beautiful creatures, for sure.




While the macaw is very expensive to buy, I think pound for pound, some saltwater fish are more expensive. And I bet most people don't even realize just HOW expensive they are. Are any of these on YOUR Christmas list? (All pictures and prices are from LiveAquaria.com)

Red Tooth Triggerfish


This bad boy can be had for the price of $199.99



Giant Cream and Pink Wartskin Angler


This one is $299.99, on sale for $249.99.



Australian Blue Devil


This fish can be had for the low, low cost of $329.99--on sale from the regular cost of $399.99.



Deepwater Tongan Goldenback Triggerfish


This specimen lists at $1199.99 at LiveAquaria.com, but you can get it on sale for only $729.99


Japanese Dragon Eel


The dragon eel is priced at $999.99.

Do the people who buy these have to find ways to spend their money, or what? I LOVE watching fish in an aquarium and have had an aquarium of my own in the past, but at THESE prices?!?! Unbelievable!

Poor Baby!

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The Game and The Baby Watch

The Wings beat the Kings 6-2 tonight. They outplayed LA almost every minute of the game, so it wasn't that hard to predict the outcome. The normal cast of characters got goals or assists and my baby boy got his 8th goal of the season. YAY! Now it is on to a five game road trip. Not a REGULAR road trip, however--they will play two games and then take a couple of days off for Christmas and then play the last three.

It looks as if three of the Wings will be going to the All-Star game. Lidstrom is the top defenseman vote-getter (and overall top vote-getter) and Datsyuk and Zetterberg are the top two forward vote-getters in the Western Conference. Do I dare say it? This just may be the Wings' year to win it all! (Okay, maybe I just jinxed the whole thing.) I'm just glad to see a little love and recognition given to some of the Detroit players--they really are ignored way too often. Or, at least, HAVE been in the past.




--Detroit Red Wings' Dan Cleary, left, and Niklas Kronwall (55) of Sweden congratulate Valtteri Filppula of Finland on his goal against Los Angeles Kings during the third period of their NHL hockey game on Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007 in Detroit. The Red Wings won 6-2. (AP Photo/Jerry S. Mendoza)--

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Talked to C tonight and she was still at home. She is pretty convinced that the way she has been feeling for several days is an indication that the baby will come very soon. Actually, for her sake, I hope that is true. She has been pretty miserable--and it isn't surprising, as this is only the second baby that is 'normal' sized! So, we continue with the baby watch. Updates will follow as they become available. :)

Baby Watch, 2007 Version

C called today after seeing the doctor and was told that she probably WILL NOT be going till 3 January before the baby is born. Now, it is just a matter of 'watch and wait.' She was ready to go to the hospital last night because the contractions were so hard, but they stopped--or lessened enough--around 2:00 AM and she was actually able to go to sleep. This is where it begins to be iffy in my mind--she has had so many C-sections that it is in her best health to continue with them. However, if she is too far along in active labor, it gets a bit dicey to do a C-section. I hope she doesn't wait too long just so she can 'do it normally.' I would rather not know until the baby is born, thank you very much. Boy, am I ever happy that I got the gift for the little one already--don't need to be shopping for any more gifts!

So, for those of you who are interested, keep coming back. I will be posting as soon as I have any news whatsoever--even if the news is 'no news!' :D

Life As I Know It

Yesterday we were out of the house before 7:00 AM--and for those of you who know me, that is a BIG deal--and on the road. By the time we had eaten breakfast at the Appleton IHOP, all of the stores were open, so off we went. I managed to get to most of my usual stores--didn't do DSW because I have too many pairs of shoes as it is--and dropped in to a few that I have missed the last couple of trips. I believe we are done with our Christmas shopping now. Well, except for K's secret Santa gift, but I don't buy that anyway. The worst thing about me finishing up my shopping early is that I can think of all these other things that I want to buy--and then go ahead and buy them! I REALLY have to use a lot of restraint. We DID get some clothes for the grandkids, but they were needed--all of the kids seem to be blowing out their pants at the same time. (Actually, Marcus took a pair of scissors to his newest pair, so that is why HE needed new ones.) I remembered to go to Build-a-Bear and get the soon-to-be-born baby her first stuffed bear--just like I have done for all the rest. We got home around 8:30 PM and I was exhausted. Shopping and traveling will do that to a person.

As I mentioned, we got home late--and we had already missed half of the hockey game! I managed to find a radio station carrying it, but as we came down in elevation into town, we lost it. At least I got to see the finish--the three shoot-out goals were wonderful. And the Wings won, 4-3 over the Caps.

It is times like last night when I REALLY want XM Radio, but I don't think I would use it enough to justify the cost. (We just aren't away from the house often enough when the Wings have a game.) K listens to the radio all of the time, but when we travel, especially, he likes to listen to local stations. He likes to hear weather and traffic conditions for wherever we are. I, on the other hand, very rarely listen to the radio. When we go on trips, I plug myself into my MP3 player and go to sleep, so the radio is lost on me. I probably would listen to the radio much more if I could get music I wanted to hear, but right now I can't. Oh, well.

C has officially been pregnant long enough, so that if she went into labor now, she would be allowed to deliver where she is. Her C-section has been scheduled for 3 January, but she is bound and determined that this kid will be born before Christmas! And so she cleans. She figures that if she moves around enough--after all, she WAS on partial bed rest for most of the pregnancy--she will be able to get that kid out. And if anyone can WILL herself to give birth, C is the one to do it. She is quite something.

Talking to A tonight, I finally realized that I have to get moving and get stuff done around here: she and her husband could be here already on Sunday! Their plans aren't completely finalized, but it looks as if they might be here for two nights. I can't wait--it has been too long since they were here last.

In the news:

--Dan Fogelberg died. Many of you probably don't know who he was. The really sad part about this is, he was only 56 years old and died of prostate cancer. He wasn't diagnosed early enough to be helped. This is a reminder to all men and women: Men, get yourselves checked ASAP! Women, got the men in your lives checked ASAP! This is a survivable cancer if caught early enough.

--Pam Anderson filed for divorce from her husband of two months. And then she changed her mind. No comment.

--Jamie Lynn Spears--Britney's 16-year-old sister--is pregnant. Now, I realize these things happen. C was pregnant--as big as a house--at her high school graduation. My mother was married and got pregnant with me--in that order--at the age of 16. Probably the only reason I DIDN'T get pregnant in high school was my fear of my parents, but I was lucky that my boyfriend at the time respected me enough to go along with my 'hands-off' policy. I KNOW these things happen. Mistakes are made. But, I really wonder what this family is like--I mean, look at the mess that is Britney! I really hate to say it, but poor white trash just doesn't seem harsh enough for them. Really.

--And, of course, the repercussions continue over the steroid/baseball scandal. There just are no heroes anymore.